Security lapse worries Malawians
Malawians are worried with a security lapse in the country that has seen cases of robberies, especially in central business districts (CBDs), on the rise.
In random interviews yesterday, people who spoke to The Nation said they are worried that apart from individuals getting robbed within the CBDs, State institutions like police stations are also victims which give no assurance regarding their safety.
Christopher Gama from Chitawira Township in Blantyre yesterday said there is need for police to beef up security within the CBDs, including residential areas to guarantee residents’ safety.
On her part, Chrissy Mndolo Banda from Lilongwe’s Area 43 said the situation is slowly getting out of hand in the capital city which is forcing people to get home early.
In a separate interview, Fred Kantande, a Mzuzu resident said if the police won’t intervene, the situation will escalate which will in turn affect residents in the long run.
But in a statement issued on Friday, National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera said the service is aware of the public’s concerns caused by criminal incidents that have been occurring.
Kadadzera said the Malawi Police Service agrees that the situation has indeed become worrisome, especially that a particular section of society is being targeted by criminals.
He said: “We would like, therefore, to assure the public that the service is in control of the security situation in the country and that there is no cause for alarm.”
While there has been a spate of individual robberies in CBDs and houses, State institutions like police stations, have in recent weeks faced similar cases.
For instance, on the night of February 12 to 13 2022, a gang of criminals stormed Lilongwe Police Station where they stole four car batteries and other property from vehicles that were impounded for numerous offences.
During the night of February 13 to 14 2022, criminals broke into Zomba Police Station where they stole a rifle loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition.
On the same night, criminals also attacked a Catholic Institution in Chikwawa District where they stole three laptops and three cellphones from nuns.
